supporting a creative voice

Jodie Noble, The Tiger in the Sea, 2011

Start of a new week and the end of another month. Where is October hiding? Maybe this Tiger ate it? It could have happened... seriously! Baffling questions like 'Where did this year go?' deserve surreal and baffling responses I reckon. Can you believe that November starts tomorrow? I cant believe that I am already seeing Christmas decorations in the shopping centres and stores. That, my friends, is Surrealism at its finest. 

Looking back at what Ive talked about this year on this tiny blog Ive realised that there are certain things I naturally gravitate to, like photos of planned and unplanned incidents of colour, pattern + texture... art, craft and design workshops Ive been involved in... exhibitions Ive seen and loved... festivals, holidays, Sydney strolls... and developing projects and playtimes in my studio. 

But one area I have consciously or unconsciously lost focus on is the state of the arts in Sydney, and across the globe in general. Maybe because it is a difficult subject. Things are changing at a rapid rate as galleries close their doors, artists' take their art to the world wide web instead of hanging it on a wall, and the public scratch their heads and try to work out where the arts community has disappeared to. These days you need pateince, time and a brilliant GPS to find galleries, artists' and art classes, as the creative pulse seems to have skipped a few beats in past year. Sad but true. The cultural climate is changing and you have to adapt, evolve, interact and be POSITIVE in order to keep going....

One thing I seem to be intuitively doing more of these days is talk to people about art and how to get involved at whatever level that suits you. The key is to just have fun and let go. For your sanity and mental well being! Enjoy the yang to your ying and indulge the big kid in you... 

You will never be disappointed. 

And one thing I love to discover is the way in which the arts community is trying to help people be happier and healthier. Arts Project Australia is one such organisation. In existence since 1974 APA tries help people with mental disabilities get in touch with their creative heart and mind, and in the process, produce amazing artworks and happier people. Now that is something to talk about and share....! And isn't this work (above) by Jodie Noble called 'The Tiger in the Sea' amazing?? Look at that teal colour! Beautiful...

If you would like to help support a worthwhile organisation you can find out how to donate/sponsor/volunteer some Christmas goodwill to Arts Project Australia here...

Now that is one way to celebrate the wonderful + colourful world of art! x